The Indonesian — A proud achievement has once again been made by students from West Sulawesi on the national stage. The Banggae Art team of SMPN 2 Majene successfully placed in the national Top Five (Runner-up II) at the 2025 Festival dan Lomba Seni Siswa Nasional (FLS2N) — the National Student Art Festival and Competition — in the Traditional Music Creativity category, held in Jakarta from November 3–6, 2025.
This accomplishment stands as proof that the spirit and creativity of Mandar youth continue to flourish and compete with distinction at the national level.
The delegation from SMPN 2 Majene departed on Sunday evening, November 2, together with other West Sulawesi contingents from SMPN 1 Mamasa and SMPN 3 Majene. They were sent off with prayers and blessings from their teachers, including Mr. Hasbi, who wished them safety and success on their journey.
Upon arrival in Jakarta, the students immediately joined the official opening of FLS2N at the Novotel Mangga Dua Square Hotel. In the Traditional Music Creativity category, West Sulawesi competed against nine other provinces, including West Java, Bali, and Riau.
The Majene team performed a piece titled “Sambaratanna Olowilla” — inspired by the traditional Mandar spirit of cooperation in pushing boats out to sea, known locally as Mapparondong Lopi. With traditional instruments and a symbolic Mandar boat on stage, their performance captivated both the live audience in the Novotel Ballroom and online viewers watching via the National Achievement Center’s YouTube livestream.
Strong support came from accompanying teacher Mr. Arham of SMPN 2 Majene, as well as Mandar elder Mr. Wahyu, who helped guide the creative process and preparation for the national stage.
“This achievement was not easily won. The students started from the local level and fought their way up to the national grand final. We hope for greater support from local government so this spirit can continue to grow,”
said Muh. Ulfi Mahendra, traditional music mentor at SMPN 2 Majene.
In the final results, West Sulawesi earned the National Runner-up II title, behind Riau Islands (1st Place), Bali (2nd Place), Riau (3rd Place), and West Java (Runner-up I), and ahead of East Java (Runner-up III). Though not yet on the top podium, the achievement marks a proud milestone for education and the arts in Majene.
The Principal of SMPN 2 Majene, Hj. Asmirah, along with all teachers, staff, and parents, expressed deep gratitude and appreciation for the collective effort.
“This success is the result of teamwork — not only from the students on stage, but from the entire SMPN 2 Majene family,”
said Ulfi with a proud smile.
